Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh was put to rest during a funeral in Glasgow, where actor and friend Gerard Butler was present.
On August 11, the musician, 41, was discovered unconscious in a room of an apartment in Minnesota.
At Bearsden Cross Parish Church, where over 100 mourners came to pay their respects to Darius, a lone piper played Caledonia, one of Darius’ favorite songs, throughout the procession.
Gerard Butler, a close friend of the actor, allegedly attended the ceremony in Glasgow to bid the star farewell.
Pop Idol winner Darius Campbell Danesh is seen in a photo taken in May 2018 at The Ivy in London.
One of the last known photographs of Darius taken before his death shows him with his buddy Gerard Butler.
Friends: A fellow Scot named Gerard Butler had become a personal friend of his, and he was one of the last individuals to be photographed with him before he passed away (Darius and Gerard pictured)
The 52-year-old Hollywood actor paid homage to his fellow Scot, describing him as a “genuine brother in arms” and expressing his “devastation” at the loss.
Butler added: “My thoughts and love go to his beautiful parents Avril and Booth and his two great brothers Aria and Cyrus” in a tribute posted on his Instagram last week.
Those who were fortunate enough to spend more than a few minutes with Darius were profoundly impacted by his contagious laugh and unbridled love for life.
Few people could resist his genuine warmth and booming voice, nor would they want to! He was always prepared with a grin and a hug. He was an actor with enormous presence, a singer whose voice penetrated your soul, and an outstanding talent.
But most importantly, he possessed a lion’s heart. He could instantly light up a room with an energy that was more powerful and brighter than the sun.
Omid Djalili, a British comedian, also paid homage to the late musician today in a heartfelt letter posted online.
Pictured: People who wanted to pay their respects congregated at Bearsden Cross Parish Church.
Darius gained notoriety after participating in Popstars and placing third in Pop Idol.
Funeral for Darius Campbell Danesh was held today in Bearsden, Glasgow, he wrote. A beautiful and accomplished guy who passed away much too soon.
People were often surprised by what a real gentleman he was. Bless his soul, O Lord. Peace be with you, my brother.
According to people close to him, Darius was ‘very thrilled’ for the homecoming and UK return trip and was only weeks away from a reunion tour with his old Pop Idol co-stars.
The Sun stated that the show’s international stars, including Adam Lambert, the American Idol winner and vocalist for Queen, were scheduled to be welcomed back for shooting by Thames TV at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End.
While they wait for toxicology findings, police have said that there have been “no evidence of purpose or strange circumstances” up to this point. Natasha Henstridge, a Canadian actress, was the partner of American resident Darius.
It is with great regret that we announce the demise of Darius Campbell Danesh, according to a statement issued by his family.
Last Monday, Gerard Butler posted a long and moving homage to Darius on his social media.
Hotel: Glasgow native Darius, who resided at the Berkman Apartments, passed away
‘Darius was discovered unconscious in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11. The local medical examiners’ office ruled him dead later that day.
According to the local police department, there were no indications of malice or strange circumstances.
“While further medical exams are conducted, the reason of his abrupt death is unclear at this time.”
“Please accept our need for privacy at this time as we process the devastating death of our son and brother,” the message reads.
As the music mogul published a statement in memory of the performer who died away precisely 20 years after he topped the charts with his highly praised song Colourblind, Simon Cowell, 63, led the tributes to the late singer he first met in 2002 when he placed third on Pop Idol.
According to Simon, who first saw Darius on television more than 20 years ago, he became a close friend. He was endearing, witty, and simply a pleasure to be around.
“His demise is an incredible tragedy for someone so young, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”